A found or free USB drive can carry malware. Hand it in instead of plugging it in.
USB drives left in parking lots, sent in the mail or handed out free are an old trick that still works. Plug one in and it can install malware without you noticing. CISA advises never plugging in a drive you don't know.
What to do
- Don't plug in a USB drive you found or didn't expect, even to find out who owns it.
- Hand it to us or your office manager instead.
- Be wary of free drives from events or in the mail, unless you know where they came from.
Sharing files safely
- Use a OneDrive or SharePoint link instead of a USB drive. It's faster, and you can stop sharing later.
- If you must use a drive, use one you or your organization bought, and don't lend it out.
Already plugged one in? Unplug it and call us on 707-755-8000.
